Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa is perfect for family vacations in the Palm Springs California desert.

Located in the posh city of Rancho Mirage, this hotel makes a great central base for touring Palm Springs attractions, from the Indio date farms to the white-knuckle adventures aboard the Palm Springs tram.

Fresh from a $35 million makeover, the resort sits on 240 acres of prime Palm Springs real estate lined with palm trees, tranquil fountains and lakes.

By day, play a round on the 27-hole Ted Robinson golf course, or head inside Spa Las Palmas for a delightful Palm Springs spa treatment.

By night, take in the dynamic fire features at restaurant Blue Ember, then retire to your room where a cozy down comforter and 42-inch plasma TV awaits you.

But what I like most about Rancho Las Palmas? Splashtopia — a warm-water playground with two waterslides, a cliffside Jacuzzi and a 425-foot Lazy River.